WIPA executive returned unopposed

Members of the executive of the West Indies Players’ Association. From left: Secretary Wayne Lewis, President Wavell Hinds, Treasurer Ridley Jacobs, Vice-President Nixon McLean and assistant secretary Liam Sebastien.

The West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) has ratified the return of all members of the executive. The decision was taken at the association’s annual general meeting, held on Wednesday, February 20, at the Hotel Four Seasons in Kingston. As such, Wavell Hinds will continue as president and Wayne Lewis as secretary for the fourth consecutive term, and Nixon McLean will continue as vice-president, Liam Sebastien as assistant secretary and Ridley Jacobs as treasurer for the third consecutive term.

President Hinds, in his opening remarks, highlighted the provision of a comprehensive health insurance plan for all retained players – regional and international, men and women. In addition to health insurance, the plan provides critical-illness coverage. He also mentioned the expansion of WIPA’s cricket development programme, WIPA in the community, to Jamaica. Health Insurance cards were later presented to the retained players from the Guyana Jaguars franchise.

Strong Confidence

Secretary Lewis said that the ratification of the current executive signified that there was strong confidence in the executive. “The fact that the executive has been returned unopposed for a fourth consecutive term is a significant statement of confidence placed in us by our members. They’ve obviously recognised the tremendous work we have been doing as an executive to advance their position, and this AGM also demonstrates that we’re growing positively as an organisation with the full backing of our members,” Lewis said.

He also made special mention of the newly established health insurance plan, which he was instrumental in acquiring, calling it “a watershed moment in West Indies cricket.”

“We at WIPA are extremely proud to be a part of it,” Lewis commented, “we are relentless in our efforts to work tirelessly with Cricket West Indies to improve the fortunes of West Indies cricket by forging new and effective partnership agreements and cooperation.”

The sentiments were echoed by Vice-President, Nixon McLean. “The fact that we were elected once again to serve unopposed is testament to the hard work we have done and the faith the membership has in us. The health insurance handing-over ceremony was the highlight of the night, as we have been able to continue to improve the lives of our membership. This is one of the key areas where we have put our focus.”